Rummenigge optimistic over Thiago return
BERLIN - Bayern Munich's Spanish international midfielder Thiago Alcantara could be back to full fitness in three months club chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge told Wednesday's daily Bild.
"We are optimistic. He should be back in February or March as the healing process is well underway," said Rummenigge.
The 23-year-old brought to Bayern from Barcelona by Pep Guardiola, underwent a first knee operation in August. But after a swift recovery he then injured the same knee again in October, forcing a second bout of surgery.
Rummenigge's prognosis comes after Bayern club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wolfhart and Thiago's personal medical advisor Dr Ramon Cugat gave him an update on the player's knee.
"The meeting had been scheduled and we conducted a check-up on his progress," explained Rumminegge.
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola has admitted that Thiago's cortisone treatment in Spain before his relapse was possibly a terrible error. But insisted the medical staff had got it right the second time.
Thiago joined Bayern Munich to great fanfare in July 2013 but has played just 25 times for them since.
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